Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why; many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 24 February 2023, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.
So, here is the Top News of the Day for 24 February 2023 to help you prepare the Latest Current Affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz.
Current Affairs for Competitive Exam – 24 February 2023
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Set to Launch Virtual Shopping App
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Set to Launch Virtual Shopping App: Momentum 2.0, India’s first virtual shopping app, will be launched soon for metro commuters to purchase things, book services, and pick up orders at destination stations. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has revealed that the app will also provide features such as instant recharge of metro smart cards and smart payment options for other utility services.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Set to Launch Virtual Shopping App – Key Points
Momentum 2.0 will provide direct access to made – to – order services including last-mile connectivity, e-commerce, and digital lockers for rapid and safe deliveries. The DMRC is in the process of installing digital lockers called smart boxes at select stations to deposit goods ordered through e-shopping.
Commuters can also use the boxes on a payment basis, the DMRC added. In addition, users can get real-time information on the arrival time of trains, subject to operational feasibility, the location of platforms, and exit gates. The app will also provide information about the stations’ shops, outlets, kiosks, and ATMs. According to DMRC commuters using this app will get access to instant features such as booking bikes, e-rickshaws, cabs, and the timetable of feeder buses, DTC buses, and cluster bus routes from metro stations.
Rajeev Raghuvanshi Appointed as New Drug Controller General of India
Rajeev Raghuvanshi Appointed as New Drug Controller General of India: Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi is the next Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi is a former secretary-cum-scientific director of the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi will succeed Dr. PBN Prasad, who will serve until February 28th, 2023. The order which was released stated that Raghuvanshi will continue to be the DGCI till February 28, 2025.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Rajeev Raghuvanshi Appointed as New Drug Controller General of India- Key Points
- His name has been suggested to the government by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) as the successor to Dr. V G Somani, whose extended tenure would end in mid-February.
- The recommendation was later confirmed by the Health Ministry, and then by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, which is overseen by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Based on the assessment of bio-data of the eligible officers received and after holding personal talks with them on January 27 recommends Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi for appointment to the post of Drug Controller (India) on a short-term contract basis.
- The DCGI is in charge of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), which is in responsibility of assuring quality drug supply throughout the country.
- It also has the authority to give approval to new drugs and regulate clinical trials.
- Dr. Raghuvanshi holds 14 US patents, as well as over 250 published patent cooperation treaties and Indian patents.
- He has more than 25 publications in peer-reviewed journals and has co-authored six chapters in books.
Central Excise Day 2023 observed on 24th February
Central Excise Day 2023: Every year on February 24, Central Excise Day is marked to recognise and honour the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs’ contributions (CBIC). Every year, Central Excise Day is observed to raise public awareness of the dedication and labor-intensiveness of CBIC. The primary responsibility of CBIC is to prevent the tampering of manufactured items.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
On Central Excise Day, the agency sponsors a range of programmes and events to enhance public awareness of the importance of paying taxes and following customs procedures. On this day, CBIC also launches brand-new campaigns with a variety of topics across its offices all over India to raise awareness of the rules governing Central Excise and Customs.
Purpose of Central Excise Day
The purpose of Central Excise Day is to honour the commitment and hard work of the employees who fight to collect taxes, stop smuggling, and stop fraud. The day also highlights the department’s role in promoting economic development. Every year, the day is observed throughout the nation to motivate excise department employees to carry out their tasks effectively across India in order to prevent corruption in the goods manufacturing sector and to ensure that other regulations are put into place to ensure the best excise services are offered.
History of Central Excise Day
From the starting of the civilisations, salt has been an important commodity. Salt was considered to be one of the sources of revenue by the native governments in India in various forms, such as excise duties, transit tax and much more. There was generally no uniformity in the matter of administrative control for the collection of salt revenue.
On February 24, 1944, the Central Excise and Salt Act was passed to modify the law of salt and Central duties. In total, it was a combination of 11 Acts concerning the excise duties. In 1985, a Central Excise Tariff Act was introduced and it became a part of the old Central Excises and Salt Act. With effect from September 28, 1996, the Act was known as the Central Excise Act 1944.
About CBIC:
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is a component of the Department of Revenue, which is part of the Government of India’s Ministry of Finance. Work done by it is the calculations of policy related levy and collection of Customs, Central Excise duties, CGST and IGST, prevention of smuggling and administration of matters relating the above mentioned subjects, and Narcotics to the extent under CBIC’s purview.
The subordinate organisations of the Board are the administrative authority and consists of Custom Houses, Central Excise and Central GST Commissionerate, and the Central Revenues Control Laboratory.
Ex-Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga Nominated By US President To Lead World Bank
Ajay Banga nominated to lead World Bank: From Washington, US President Joe Biden has nominated former Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga to manage the World Bank, after current CEO David Malpass declared his intention to retire early. Banga’s nomination comes amid a push for development lenders to revamp and address global problems like environmental issues more effectively. The development lender has only recently begun taking candidate nominations for a process that will last through March 29, with the bank stating that female applicants will be “strongly” encouraged. The president of the World Bank is typically American, while the leader of the International Monetary Fund is customarily European.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
The development lender has started accepting candidate nominations in a process that will run until March 29. The World Bank has historically been led by someone from the United States, its major shareholder, whereas the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has traditionally been led by a European. However, developing countries and emerging markets have pushed to widen those choices, according to Reuters. Germany, another major shareholder, has pushed for a woman to take the job since the bank has never been headed by a woman in its 77-year history.
Banga, 63, is Indian-American and currently serving as vice chairman at equity firm General Atlantic. Banga has “critical experience mobilizing public-private resources to tackle the most urgent challenges of our time, including climate change,” said Biden in a statement.
Who is Ajay Banga?
- Ajay Banga, 63, is an Indian-American currently serving as vice chairman at equity firm General Atlantic. He was previously chief executive at Mastercard. He joined MasterCard in August 2009 as president and chief operating officer and was named CEO in April 2010.
- Born in Pune, Banga received B.A. in economics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. He also attended the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad.
- Banga worked for 13 years with Nestle, India and also spent two years at Pepsico, before joining Citigroup in 1996 where he served in a variety of positions of increasing responsibility, including as CEO of its Asia-Pacific region.
- He was also a member of Citi’s senior leadership and executive committees.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- World Bank Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States;
- World Bank Founded: July 1944, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, United States;
- World Bank Founders: John Maynard Keynes, Harry Dexter White.
UN approves resolution calling for Russia to leave Ukraine after 1 year
UN approves resolution calling for Russia to leave Ukraine after 1 year: The UN General Assembly approved a nonbinding resolution that calls for Russia to end hostilities in Ukraine and demands the withdrawal of its forces, sending a strong message on the eve of the first anniversary of the invasion that Moscow’s aggression must end.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
About The Voting in UN:
The vote of 141-7, with 32 abstentions, was somewhat lower than the highest vote for the five previous resolutions approved by the 193-member world body since Russia deployed troops and tanks across the border into its smaller neighbour on Feb. 24, 2022.
About The Role of UNGA in Ukraine War:
The General Assembly has become the most important UN body dealing with Ukraine because the Security Council, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security, is paralyzed by Russia’s veto power. Its resolutions are not legally binding, unlike Security Council resolutions, but serve as a barometer of world opinion.
During the two days of debate, foreign ministers and diplomats from over 75 countries addressed the assembly, with many urging support for the resolution that upholds Ukraine’s territorial integrity, a basic principle of the UN Charter that all countries must subscribe to when they join the world organisation.
Repercussions of The War:
The war has killed tens of thousands on both sides and has reduced entire cities to ruins and its impact has been felt worldwide in higher food and fuel costs and rising inflation.
While the war has been a tragedy for Ukraine and Ukrainians, it has also proven a disaster for Russia — militarily, economically, and geopolitically. The war has badly damaged Russia’s military and tarnished its reputation, disrupted the economy, and profoundly altered the geopolitical picture facing Moscow in Europe.
Prez Droupadi Murmu Conferred Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards
Prez Droupadi Murmu Conferred Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards: On February 23, 2023, President of India Droupadi Murmu presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships (Akademi Ratna) and Awards (Akademi Puruskar) for the years 2019, 2020, and 2021 in New Delhi.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of Culture, Tourism and DoNER, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs & Culture, Dr. Sandhya Purecha, Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Uma Nadnuri, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture was also present at the awards ceremony.
Prez Droupadi Murmu Conferred Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards – Key Points
- Parliamentary Affairs informed that, in the 70 years that have spanned from the time of the establishment of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, It is clear that the institution has aided in the implementation of the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat vision.
- It has been the tradition of artists from India to pay salutations and respect to Maa Saraswati before any performance.
- This gesture symbolizes the huge learnings and wisdom that they have received from Music.
- Tourism and DoNER, Arjun Ram Meghwal, believes that the year 2023 is critical for both India and artists. For India, because it has the presidency of G20 and for the artists because they were receiving felicitation in the first year of the Amrit Kaal.
- The Akademi’s fellowship (Akademi Ratna) carries a purse of Rs. 3,00,000/- (Rupees Three Lakhs alone) and the Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) carries a purse of Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rupees One Lakh only) (Rupees One Lakh only).The award also carries a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.
Navy Chief Awarded On-The-Spot Unit Citation INS Nireekshak for Salvage Operation
Navy Chief Awarded On-The-Spot Unit Citation INS Nireekshak for Salvage Operation: The Chief of the Naval Staff Adm R Harikumar visited INS Nireekshak at Kochi where he interacted with the diving team of the ship involved in the salvage operations at a depth of 219 meters in the Arabian Sea. He commended the ship on the safe and successful conduct of the operations under the most challenging circumstances. This is the deepest salvage carried out in the country’s waters.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Navy Chief Awarded On-The-Spot Unit Citation INS Nireekshak for Salvage Operation- Key Points
- During his address to the ship’s crew, the CNS complimented the dedicated effort of the ship in conducting the deep diving operations. He admired the men behind the machine’s unwavering spirit.
- The CNS awarded the ship an ‘on the spot’ Unit Citation, a first in Indian Navy. He also awarded commendations to the crew involved in the salvage ops.
- Nireekshak had also recently completed a solemn dive off the Gujarat coast to pay homage by laying a wreath at 80 m depth, the resting site of erstwhile Khukri which sank during the 1971 war.
- The INS Nireekshak is an Indian Navy Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel. Built by Mazgaon Shipbuilders in 1985, the ship has been in service with the Navy since 1989
- It was commissioned in the year 1995. INS Nireekshak has been part of various diving operations and holds the record for the deepest dive carried out in the country to a depth of 257 m.
University of Auckland, Tata Memorial Hospital sign MoU for cancer care
University of Auckland, Tata Memorial Hospital sign MoU for cancer care : Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) and Waipapa Taumata Rau (Auckland University) signed an MoU to engage in long-term cooperation in cancer care. TMH is the most renowned cancer care hospital and research center in India.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Initial projects envisaged for the partnership include a digital platform:
A digital platform for clinical trials to track study-related activities for patients, investigators and regulators; a digital platform to make outpatient clinics more efficient; and a digital method to enhance prescription medicine safety, such as including connecting systems to ensure potential serious drug interactions are identified and flagged for the treating physician,” the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.
Rajendra Badwe, director, TMH said that they are committed to improving the lives of the patients with cancer. “We hope that this collaboration with the University of Auckland will help us harness the power of technology to improve patients’ lives.”
Badwe added that by combining TMH’s expertise in cancer care with the University of Auckland’s technological expertise, we are confident that a real difference can be made in the lives of patients with cancer and their families.
“The two countries have a long history of cooperation in healthcare and this partnership builds on an already strong relationship; the University of Auckland is strongly committed to finding solutions to some global health issues in partnership with such a leading institution,” Bloomfield added.
Asia Economic Dialogue 2023 begins in Pune
Asia Economic Dialogue 2023 begins in Pune : An annual flagship event of the External Affairs Ministry on Geo-economics, Asia Economic Dialogue is being conducted in Pune, Maharashtra from 23 -25 February 2023. This event is being co-hosted in collaboration with Pune International Centre.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
The theme for AED 2023 is ‘Asia and the Emerging World Order’ in the backdrop of the post-pandemic geopolitical developments in Asia and Europe, which continue to have a global impact. The themes for the previous annual conferences were Resilient Global Growth in a Post-Pandemic World (2022), Post-Covid Global Trade and Finance Dynamics (2021) and Asia and the Emerging International Trading System (2020). AED 2023 will include sessions on various sub-topics in the post-pandemic context such as Global Growth Prospects: Looking Forward, India’s Vision for its G20 Presidency, How the Global South will Shape the G20 Agenda, Making Semiconductor Supply Chains Resilient, Climate Change: A Real Threat, Meeting Climate Targets: The Road Ahead, FTAs: The Way Forward? Metaverse: Understanding the Future, Pioneering Socially Responsible Business in the Emerging World Order, and Revolutionizing the Economy: Integrating Payment Systems and Digitizing Currencies.
Namami Gange Executive Committee approves 9 projects
Namami Gange Executive Committee approves 9 projects : The Namami Gange Executive Committee, headed by NMCG Director General G. Asok Kumar, has approved nine Projects, worth over 1,200 crore rupees for Pollution abatement in Ganga Basin and Ghat Development. Out of these projects, seven pertain to the abatement of pollution in the Ganga Basin and two to ghat development.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
The decision was taken during the 47th meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
The Ministry of Jal Shakti said that under the approved projects various Sewage Treatment Plants and other work will be done to clean the river Ganga, in several States, including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. It said the Ghat development in Bihar, one project for the development of Atal Ghat Manjhi, Saran, Bihar was approved at an estimated cost of ten crore rupees.
ICAR develops wheat variety to beat the heat
ICAR develops wheat variety to beat the heat : Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed a new wheat variety called HD-3385. It can overcome the challenges arising out due to changes in weather patterns and rising heat levels. It is amenable to early sowing, escaping the impact of heat spikes, and can be harvested before March’s end.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Talking to AIR News, ICAR Principal Scientist Rajbir Yadav explained the merits of this new variety and how the farmers can get good production by sowing this wheat variety.
Recently, the Centre announced to set up of a committee to monitor the situation arising from the increase in temperatures and its impact on the current wheat crop.
HDFC Bank, Lulu Exchange sign to enhance cross-border payments
HDFC Bank, Lulu Exchange sign to enhance cross-border payments : HDFC Bank has signed an MoU with the UAE-based Lulu Exchange to strengthen the cross-border payments between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. In the beginning, the expertise and regulatory framework of Lulu Exchange would be utilized to launch a digital inward remittance service – ‘RemitNow2India’.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
It will allow UAE individuals resident to send money to any bank account in India via IMPS and NEFT through HDFC digital banking channels.
“The partnership will also look to strengthen the existing relationship between the two entities in India, where LuLu Financial Group operates LuLu Forex and the NBFC division LuLu Finserv,” it said.
Arvind Vohra, Group Head of Retail Branch Banking in HDFC Bank, said the partnership will build on each other’s strengths. “While HDFC Bank potentially gains access to remittances from Lulu Exchange’s employees, customers and other stakeholders, Lulu Exchange can capitalise on a trusted name with a vast network,” he said.
Ind-Ra projects India’s FY24 growth at 5.9%
Ind-Ra projects India’s FY24 growth at 5.9% : Credit rating and research agency, India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) projected the growth of the Indian economy to 5.9% year on year during 2023-24.
The GDP growth estimate of the agency is lower than the 6.4% real GDP growth projected by the RBI for FY24. According to the agency, there are fault lines in the economic recovery that is happening in the Private final consumption expenditure, Government Final Consumption Expenditure, and net exports.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
“Although there are a few positives for India such as – sustained government capex, deleveraged corporates, low NPA in the banking sector, Production-linked Incentive scheme and likelihood of global commodity prices remaining subdued, Ind-Ra believes they are still not sufficient to take the FY24 GDP growth beyond 6%,” Sunil Kumar Sinha, Principal Economist, India Ratings said.
Private Final Consumption Expenditure is estimated to grow 6.7% in FY24 from 7.7% in FY23, but it may not lead to a broad-based consumption demand recovery because the current consumption demand is highly skewed in favour of the goods and services consumed largely by the households belonging to the upper income bracket, the outlook said. “The goods and services of mass consumption have yet not shown a sustained pick-up,” it said.
